Russets go big game hunting for Tigers

January 3, 2013

SHELLEY â€” The Shelley Russets were trailing at home to the 5A Idaho Falls Tigers on Wednesday evening, that was until a three ball from Chad Leckington gave the Russets a lead that they never relinquished. Of course, that deficit was 2-0 and the Leckington trey came less than a minute into the non-conference affair but in the end, that was the last of the excitement of a close game as the Russets throttled the Tigers 64-34.

"The holiday break was good for us because I felt that the last 4 or 5 practices we were able to up our intensity on all of the little things," Shelley head coach Dave Hadley said. "We got such a late start with football with a game after just six days to practice so we were constantly preparing for the next game rather than taking care of all the little things that a team has to do to be successful."
The little things were certainly in play on the night and behind a stellar defensive performance in the first quarter of play, the Russets went on a 16-1 run for a commanding lead. Full court pressure led to several transition baskets for the Russets in the opening frame.
Second quarter action was a bit different on the defensive end but equally as impressive as the Russets turned to their 2-3 zone, a move that frustrated the visiting Tigers as the Russets built their lead to as many as 21 in the quarter.
"We like to go to that zone look when we have big Garrett [Smith] in the game," Coach Hadley said. "He does a good job of taking up a lot of space inside which allows us to spread the defense and lock down the permitter which we did tonight. I thought that Carter Cannon did a fantastic job tonight."
Speaking of Cannon's, the Russets have a Cannon by the name of McKay and he was fairly quiet on the offensive end, tallying just 11 points on the evening but that 11 points were enough to move him onto the top of the all-time scoring list.
"As near as we can tell, McKay set the all time scoring record tonight," Coach Hadley said. "We're excited for him and that accomplishment."
Chad Leckington led all scorers on the evening with 17 points while Kaden Schmitt added 11 as the Russets coasted home with the mercy rule enacted with the 30 point fourth quarter lead.
Next up for Shelley (5-2) is a big road date at cross county rival Snake River on Saturday evening. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.